Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2025-05-10 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Laura Baker Services Association, 211 Oak Street, Northfield, MN, 55053
TIME FOR RESPITE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
A monthly program for families who care for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Adults and children ages 5 and above with special needs who live at home with their families are welcome to join LBSA on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, games, outdoor activities, and snacks. Sign-up on the LBSA website, https://www.laurabaker.org/services/family-support/
The events are designed to provide a few hours of respite for caregivers and social interaction for participants. Pre-registration is required. Families must complete an enrollment medical form prior to the event. $20 per person fee is charged for each event; fee waivers are available for those that qualify.

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2025-05-11 08:00 - 11:00 | Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event is designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. From 8 am to 11 am on the second Sunday of the month, the galleries will be closed to the general public, and sound and light levels will be adjusted, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience select Walker exhibitions, make art, watch a short film, or just hang out in a different setting. Featured exhibitions and activities change each month. Visit https://walkerart.org/visit/sensory-friendly-sundays/ for more information or to register.
Sensory Friendly Sunday was developed in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page: https://walkerart.org/visit/accessibility.

Understanding Autism
2025-05-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Understanding Autism is AuSM’s introductory class. You’ll learn all about the diagnosis, common characteristics, and some basic evidenced-based best practices to support autistic individuals and sensory processing sensitivities. Each session lasts one hour with time for you to ask specific questions.
Who Should Participate
Caregivers, parents, grandparents, group home and day program staff, Personal Care Attendants, and health care staff will benefit from this class. *Note, this is a single-session class. Content is the same for all sessions. AuSM offers these sessions at different times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. When registering, select the session that works best for you.

AuSM Adult Coffee Club
2025-05-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Dogwood Coffee, 2700 University Ave W Suite 100, Saint Paul, MN, 55114, United States
Coffee Club is a space where autistic and neurodiverse adults can connect with each other, foster friendships, and build community while enjoying a favorite beverage and/or snack. Adults are welcome to bring items that make them feel comfortable, can stay as long as they’d like, stim, and parallel play. We ask that participants purchase something from our venues.
AuSM will provide a concierge staff person to help assist with questions, check-in, help with ordering, and manage any issues that arise during the club. AuSM will provide a number of resources, including a social narrative providing club details, parking info, menus, and more. Due to staffing, AuSM is unable to provide one-to-one support, however it is encouraged to bring your own PCA or support person if needed.

Sensory Friendly Mornings at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
2025-05-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-07 09:00 - 10:00 | Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul, Minnesota
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to explore the zoo without the crowds. Como strives to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.

MNProv Mixer Virtual
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-28 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
The MNprov Mixers are a safe place for neurodivergent adults (18+) to have fun, meet new people, increase confidence, and decrease stress. No experience necessary. This event is FREE. Come every week, or only once, or somewhere in-between.
Improv is inherently inclusive. All participants are needed for a scene to succeed, and everyone’s suggestions are incorporated into the scene. The improv rule of “Yes, and . . .” allows participants to feel safe and supported and more willing to take risks. As players say “YES” to each other and add their own ideas, they build trust and create something brand new together.
This is a small group activity with fewer than 20 participants. Individuals are welcome to take breaks as needed. Participants are encouraged to let us know how we can best support them. Because this is on ZOOM, participants from greater Minnesota have an accessible way to attend.
A social narrative about the MNprov Mixers workshops and a registration link can be found on our website.

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Parents, caregivers, and other family members of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (18+) gather to discuss challenges, triumphs, and strategies for support. This group is held virtually only.

MNProv Mixer In-Person
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Youth Performance Company, 641 Fairview Ave N Suite 191, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States

Autism Certification
2025-05-16 09:30 - 12:30, 2025-05-23 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual Event
This certificate program is designed to prepare professionals, educators, caregivers, and service providers, to provide direct support to people impacted by autism. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the autism diagnosis, the issues affecting autistic people, and some of AuSM’s favorite support strategies. This three-part series is ideal for support staff, PCAs, group home staff, educational aides, and anyone who works directly with autistic individuals. Individuals on the spectrum also are welcome and encouraged to attend to increase their self-awareness and to share their unique perspectives. Email education@ausm.org for information about discounted group rates.
Training Objectives

Understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and how autism can affect communication, relationships, and behavior.
Explore the social issues impacting the autism community and how you can help autistic people thrive.
Apply evidence-based practices to support autistic people experiencing challenges.

Who Should Participate?

Job coaches
Support staff
Personal Care Attendants (PCAs)
EIDBI Tier 3 providers
Educational aides
Direct support personnel
Group home staff
Day training and habilitation professionals
Anyone who works directly with individuals with autism
Individuals with autism

Each session is limited to 15 participants. Licensed professionals may submit documentation from the AuSM Autism Direct Support Certification Program to licensing boards for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) consideration (up to 15 hours).

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2025-05-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Bell Museum, St. Paul, Minnesota
Sensory Friendly Visits

The quietest time to visit the museum is late afternoon, when we have fewer visitors and our space is generally uncrowded. Be sure to check out the items you can borrow at the museum below!
Sensory friendly resources
Visitors are welcome to check out additional resources like our quiet spaces. You can borrow a sensory pack with tools such as visual timers, weighted lap pads, and hearing protection if it helps make the visit more enjoyable, and a social narrative is available for download to prepare for your visit. (Note, this is currently not accurate with COVID-19 procedures. Check out this general social narrative from the Autism Society of Minnesota). Read more about the museum’s other accessibility resources here.
Sensory Friendly Saturday
Prepare for your visit to Sensory Friendly Saturday with a short video – click here to watch.

bellinfo@umn.edu
612.626-9660

Camino a la Inclusión: Bullying in Schools and Educational Rights in Special Education
2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00 | El Colegio Charter School, 4137 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States
This in-person family session will address bullying in schools and how to protect the educational rights of children with disabilities. Presented by attorney Rubén Chapa from Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), this event will include guided activities for children and youth, connection time for caregivers, and a family lunch to build community bonds.
For more information contact TeApoyoMN:
(612) 256 – 4749
teapoyomn@gmail.com

Steps for Autism 2025
2025-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 | ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Drive, St Louis Park, MN, 55416
Join us for the 25th Annual Steps for Autism in Minnesota from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the ROC at the St. Louis Park Rec Center. You’ll experience fun activities, an autism resource fair, and opportunities for community connections.
What to Expect at Steps for Autism:
Resource Fair – Connect with organizations that offer services, programs, and support for the autism community.
Stage Show & Costumed Characters – Enjoy entertainment and engaging performances for all ages.
Fun and Inclusive Activities – Participate in interactive experiences designed for all abilities.
Community Building – Join families, autistic individuals, and allies in a welcoming, inclusive space.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-05-21 19:00 - 20:30 | See Me Neurodiverse, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
This is a support meeting for the parents and caregivers of the neurodiverse to share our journeys together and help spread our wealth of resources to the community!
See Me’s main event that we host is a Family/Caregiver Support Meeting. We meet for an in-person support group on the first Thursday and the third Wednesday of every month.
These meetings provide a safe space for parents/guardians/anyone who needs additional support while caring for neurodiverse children. Our mission for this support group is to connect, share, and support one another on our journey.

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair
2025-05-22 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-23 16:00 - 21:00, 2025-05-24 11:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-25 11:00 - 19:00 | Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul, MN, 55108, United States
The fifth annual Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is May 22-25, 2025! This slice-of-the-fair event features more food than ever, including the ultra-popular hit from the 2024 Minnesota State Fair – Deep-Fried Ranch Dressing – and new-to-Kickoff vendors LuLu’s Public House, Minneapple Pie, El Burrito Mercado and Jersey Jo’s.
A brand-new challenge arrives at the State Fairgrounds! A one-of-kind puzzle hunt tests your wit and sense of adventure as you explore the grounds in a most unique and immersive quest. Can you solve the Kickoff Conundrum?
Check out the entertainment schedule featuring ABBASolutely Fab – Tribute Band on Thursday night and GB Leighton on Friday night – and the fun doesn’t stop there!
On Thursday and Friday only, try your luck at a free spin-to-win prize wheel for a chance at fair admission tickets and entries into grand prize drawings for tickets to a 2025 Grandstand concert of your choice, on-site State Fair parking passes and more!
Plus, enjoy food and brews at nearly 40 vendors, music and entertainment free with admission, shopping at 30+ specialty Minnesota merchants, Giant Slide rides, yard games, history tours, free parking, and so much more! The fair-fan-favorite Milk Run 5K Race takes place Saturday, May 24, at 9 a.m. The race is sold out (!), so registration is now closed.
Kickoff to Summer at the Fair is getting more popular every year, but we’re still limiting attendance each day to make this an extra-special experience and keep that laid-back patio vibe we all love about Minnesota summers.
• Slice-of-the-fair fun with limited attendance and a laid back vibe
• ASL-interpreted Early Footprints Guided Tours on Saturday, May 24, at 1 & 4 p.m.
• Adult-size changing table available in Family & Baby Care
• Joy Mobile: a one-stop sensory experience designed to help guests reset and re-engage
• Additional ASL services available per request
• Free parking!

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2025-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather in this typically larger group to support each other, socialize, and discuss common interests and concerns. This group is held virtually only.

Independent Living: Empowering Individuals with Disabilities Through 245D Services
2025-05-27 17:00 - 18:00 | Dependable Home Health Care, 23 Empire Drive Suite 100, St. Paul, MN, 55103, United States
Dependable’ s upcoming event for individuals and guardians looking for more independent living settings is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to the Autistic and Neuro-divergent community. Recognizing the diverse needs of our participants, we are offering both in-person attendance at our office (23 Empire Drive, Suite 100 St. Paul ) and a virtual option to ensure accessibility and comfort for all. This event aims to create a supportive space for open dialogue, resource sharing, and community connection, with thoughtful accommodations in place to promote a sensory-friendly and respectful environment. Our first gathering will be held on May 27th, and we look forward to fostering meaningful engagement and representation at every session.

MNprov Mixers (in-person) for Adults (18+)
2025-05-29 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-06-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Youth Performance Company, 641 Fairview Ave N Suite 191, Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
At MNprov, we believe the magic of improv isn’t just about laughs (though there’s plenty of that) — it’s about building connections, confidence, and creativity. And doing so in a way that’s accessible to everyone. Our goal is to empower diverse learners to build social-emotional skills, resilience, and meaningful connections through the art of improv. And guess what? It works!
The MNprov Mixers are a safe place for neurodivergent adults (18+) to have fun, meet new people, increase confidence, and decrease stress. No experience necessary. This event is FREE. Come every week, or only once, or somewhere in-between.

Improv is inherently inclusive. All participants are needed for a scene to succeed, and everyone’s suggestions are incorporated into the scene. The improv rule of “Yes, and . . .” allows participants to feel safe and supported and more willing to take risks. As players say “YES” to each other and add their own ideas, they build trust and create something brand new together.
This is a small group activity with fewer than 20 participants. We have sensory items (created by AUSM) that are available at our workshops. Individuals are welcome to take breaks as needed. Lighting can be adjusted to meet needs. Participants are encouraged to let us know how we can best support them.
A social narrative about the MNprov Mixers workshops and a registration link can be found on our website.

AuSM Women's Support Group
2025-06-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather to discuss challenges, strategies, and topics unique to being a woman on the spectrum. This group is held virtually only.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2025-06-05 19:00 - 20:30 | See Me Neurodiverse, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
This is a support meeting for the parents and caregivers of the neurodiverse to share our journeys together and help spread our wealth of resources to the community!
These meetings provide a safe space for parents/guardians/anyone who needs additional support while caring for neurodiverse children. Our mission for this support group is to connect, share, and support one another on our journey.
First Thursday of month 7-8:30pm and Every third Wednesday from 7-8:30pm

Workshop: Neurodivergent Intimacy
2025-06-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event
Explore relationships, sex, and intimacy with a neurodiversity-affirming perspective. Drawing from a wide range of relationship structures, including LGBTQ+, BDSM, polyamory, and more, this workshop will give you tools for improved communication and healthy boundaries. You will learn how to communicate your needs and support your partner(s) in long-term relationships or short-term relationships. This workshop is for neurodivergent people, including autistic adults, and their partners, including neurotypicals. The discussion will include mentions of sex, and is intended for adults.
Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will…

Understand boundaries and consent.
Consider a range of relationship structures.
Gain communication skills and tools to support fulfilling relationships.
